“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”
SAMUEL JOHNSON.
Serene yet strong, majestic yet sedate”, the Thames has for centuries borne witness to England’s rich history and that of its capital, London, one of the world’s great cities. Our voyage will trace a compelling story of politics, power and patronage.
We shall give special attention to Winston Churchill’s extraordinary life, with visits to his birthplace at Blenheim Palace, the Churchill Museum and the Cabinet War Rooms. We explore Havengore, the Port of London flagship which carried him on his last journey, and pay tribute to his final resting place at Bladon.
From magnificent Hampton Court to elegant Marble Hill, from royal Greenwich to imposing Tilbury Fort, our six day cruise will encompass some of the finest landmarks on the Thames. We will enjoy a luxury dinner cruise with Tower Bridge and the lights of London as our glittering backdrop and throughout there will be talks and interpretations by an accompanying historian.
On the July 10 departure the journalist and author Martin Bell OBE will join us for a special dinner to recount his tales of the city drawn from his long and distinguished career. On the second departure our guest speaker will be Christopher Andrew, a leading authority on British Intelligence and author of The Defence of the Realm.
The unique design of the Spirit of Chartwell allows us to continue our journey, as in times past, out to sea and back through the mouth of the Medway to the cathedral city of Rochester, perhaps no better place to end our voyage.
Spirit of Chartwell
Spirit of Chartwell boasts the sumptuousness of a classic luxury yacht: teak decks, rich mahogany finishes and 20 luxury cabins. Newly configured in 2009, she is the only cruise vessel capable of navigating both the upper courses of the Thames and the open sea. She has two lounges, open-air viewing areas and a unique third floor dining room, complete with an elevating roof, which serves first-class cuisine.
All cabins are outside facing with views. To explore the upper reaches of the Thames we will enjoy a day aboard Spirit of Chartwell’s sister ship, Lady Clementine, an elegant saloon launch.
Date: July 10-15 & |
Cost: From £1190 |
Lecturers: |
Course Codes: |
Itinerary
Day 1 Join Spirit of Chartwell, Weybridge. Reception and introductory talk. Moor overnight Weybridge.
Day 2 Excursion upstream on board Lady Clementine to Cliveden House (frequented by Churchill and infamously associated with the Profumo Affair). Later drive to Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Churchill, and Bladon, his final place of rest. Return to Spirit of Chartwell. Sail down river, passing Hampton Court. Moor overnight Kingston-upon-Thames.
Day 3 Sail to Richmond for visit to Marble Hill House (elegant 18th century riverside villa). Continue to Westminster and leave for Westminster Abbey and Churchill Museum and War Cabinet Rooms, close to 10 Downing Street. Rejoin Spirit of Chartwell by Tower Bridge. Reception on board Havengore (the ship which took Churchill on his final journey) followed by illuminated London dinner cruise. Moor overnight Tower Bridge.
Day 4 Sail to Canary Wharf for visit to the Dockland Museum (from Roman settlement to Docklands’ regeneration, this former sugar warehouse reveals the long history of London as a port through stories of trade, migration and commerce). Continue to Greenwich Maritime Museum (Maritime Galleries, the Royal Observatory, and the Queen’s House). Moor overnight Greenwich.
Day 5 Early departure for Tilbury Fort in the Thames Estuary (Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth I famously rallied her army nearby to face the threat of the Spanish Armada). Continue along the Thames Estuary and then through the mouth of the Medway to Rochester (with famous castle built circa 1127 by archbishop of Canterbury). Farewell dinner. Moor overnight Rochester.
Day 6 Return to Weybridge by coach via Chartwell House (home of Winston Churchill). Disperse Weybridge by 1600.
Cabins
Main Deck:
£1190 per person (supplement for single occupation £390)
Superior Main Deck:
£1290 per person (supplement for single occupation £470)
Top Deck:
£1490 per person (supplement for single occupation £590)
Cost
Cost includes: accommodation based in a twin or double bedded cabin, drinks reception, breakfast, dinner & four lunches, excursions & admissions,* and crew gratuities.
Not included: travel insurance, single cabin supplement.
*For EH sites, free access on production of EH card; non EH members are required to pay admission charge.